Welcome to Fire PreventionThe overall mission of the San José Fire Department is "To serve the community by protecting life, property, and the environment through prevention and response." The Bureau of Fire Prevention (BFP) contributes to this mission through its primary focus on key areas of responsibility that include; public education and outreach services, investigation of fires to determine cause and origin, and code compliance activities such as plan review and inspection.OrganizationBFP is managed by one Deputy Chief who serves as Fire Marshal. The Fire Marshal is supported by a Battalion Chief who serves as the Assistant Fire Marshal. Currently one Captain supervises all Fire Code Enforcement Inspectors, which include Permitted Occupancy, Special Occupany and Hazardous Materials Inspectors. The Development Services Division is supervised by Senior Fire Protection Engineers and staffed by Associate Engineers and Hazardous Materials Inspectors. BFP has dedicated support staff members who are an integral part of daily operations. One Captain supervises the Arson Unit and its staff of Arson Investigators.Codes BFP administers the California Codes and the San Jose Municipal Code. The most common of the California codes that BFP administers is the California Fire Code (CFC). The most common of the San Jose Municipal code that BFP administers are: Chapter 17.12 - CITY OF SAN JOSE FIRE CODE Chapter 17.68 - HAZARDOUS MATERIALS STORAGE PERMITChapter 17.78 - TOXIC GASE ORDINANCE &Chapter 17.82 - FIRE SAFETY DURING CONSTRUCTIONPermitsPermits shall be in accordance with Section 105 of the 2016 California Fire Code (CFC).

Permits required. Permits required by the code shall be obtained from the fire code official. Permit fees, if any, shall be paid prior to issuance of the permit. Issued permits shall be kept on the premises designated therein at all times and shall be readily available for inspection by the fire code official.

Types of permits. There shall be two types of permits as follows:

1. Operational permit. An operational permit allows the applicant to conduct an operation or a business for which a permit is required by CFC Section 105.6 for either:
1.1. A prescribed period.
1.2. Until renewed or revoked.

2. Construction permits. A construction permit allows the applicant to install or modify systems and equipment for which a permit is required by CFC Section 105.7.

Annual PermitsIf you have questions regarding the fee increase or the billing process, you may contact the Bureau of Fire Prevention.

Online PermitsSan José Permits online is for obtaining a variety of information regarding proposed development for properties within the City of San José and for registered users to submit permit applications, obtain simple development permits and schedule inspections.

Design Documents These documents (Click Here) are some of the most requested by architects, designers, contractors and others. The Bureau of Fire Prevention is pleased to provide these documents online for your convenience. If you have any questions, you may contact the Bureau of Fire Prevention.

The City of San Joséis committed to open and honest government and strives to consistently meet the community’s expectations by providing excellent service, in a positive and timely manner, and in the full view of the public.